Imagine diving into a perfectly cooked salmon fillet, infused with rich garlic butter and aromatic herbs, that practically melts in your mouth. This One Pan Herb and Garlic Butter Salmon is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant without the hefty price tag. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone who craves restaurant-quality seafood, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or thyme)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
- Prepare a large baking dish or a sheet pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or thyme). Season the garlic butter mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared baking dish. Season the top of each fillet with salt and pepper.
- Pour the garlic herb butter evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets and around them in the baking dish. The lemon will add a bright flavor and help keep the salmon moist.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the salmon hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired, along with the roasted lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Always select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with a vibrant color and firm texture.
- Room Temperature Matters: Let your salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Don't Overcook: Salmon is best served medium to medium-rare. Remove it from the oven when it just starts to flake easily.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, basil, or a mix of fresh herbs.
- Lemon Hack: Roasting lemon slices alongside the salmon intensifies their flavor and adds a caramelized touch.
- Butter Technique: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level, and brown the garlic slightly for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Resting Period: Always let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain its moisture and juiciness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 100mg
